As an expat family moving to the lively city of Dubai, choosing the right neighborhood is one of your most important decisions. The perfect area will have amenities and facilities tailored for children, creating a community where your family can thrive. Parks for playing, nurseries for learning, recreation centers for fun, clinics for health, and easy transit access are all essentials families require.
After extensive analysis of family-focused amenities, discussion with residents and review of community facilities, we have curated a list of the top 4 most child-friendly residential areas in Dubai:
- Dubai Hills Estate
- Dubai Creek Harbour
- Jumeirah Lake Towers
- Dubai Marina
These neighborhoods ranked highest in factors parents value most – green open spaces, nurseries and schools, playgrounds and recreation, healthcare, grocery stores and malls, and metro accessibility.
Not surprisingly, they are also highly popular with real estate investors due to high demand from families looking to rent. Properties in family-friendly areas see strong interest, making them excellent assets.
Let’s dive deeper into what makes each of these Dubai communities so ideal for raising a family:
Dubai Hills Estate – A Family Paradise
Dubai Hills Estate is one of the most family-friendly master developments in Dubai. This vast community is designed to provide a high quality of life for couples and families with children of all ages. Spreading over 11 million square meters, it checks all the boxes from kids point of view.
Green Open Spaces
One of the standout kid-friendly features of Dubai Hills Estate is its parks, playgrounds, and open areas. Over 1.45 million square meters are dedicated to gardens and parks!
Dubai Hills Park is a main attraction that is 180,000 sq.m in length. It has a splash park, skatepark, strolling tracks, and sports activities courts. Smaller playgrounds and play areas are made during the network’s sub-divisions.
Schools And Nurseries
Education is a top priority for parents, and Dubai Hills Estate delivers plenty of nursery and schooling options. Notable educational institutions located within the community include:
- Blossom Nursery (2 branches)
- GEMS International School
- GEMS Wellington Academy
- GEMS New Millennium School
For tertiary options, Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City are only 15-20 minutes away. Top universities like Middlesex University and the University of Wollongong provide plenty of choice.
Family Entertainment At Dubai Hills Mall
Pet-Friendly Community
Many families choose to bring pets into their homes. Dubai Hills Estate is a pet-friendly community. The spacious parks and grounds provide ample space to walk pets.
Dubai Hills’ pet-friendly policies make life easier for pet owners as well as kids. The green open spaces let children bond with their furry companions. Pets contribute to the warm, family-oriented ambiance.
Walkability and Accessibility
The community is designed with walkability in mind. Interconnecting sub-divisions through pedestrian footpaths lets parents and children get around on foot. For further access, Al Khail Road provides quick routes to Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and other parts of the city. Metro stations like Equiti Metro Station and Mall of the Emirates Metro Stations are a 15-minute drive away. The convenience, accessibility, and walkability within Dubai Hills Estate make life smooth for busy families.
Family-Sized Property Options
Dubai Hills Estate caters to families with its range of property sizes:
- Villas – From 3 to 7 bedrooms
- Townhouses – 3 to 5 bedrooms
- Apartments – 1 to 4 bedrooms
Spaces are available to accommodate couples, nuclear families, joint families and multi-generational households. Maple, Park Lane, Sidra Villas, Curio Collection, and Golf Place are popular for their family-sized residences.
Property features like private gardens, pools and play areas make Dubai Hills Estate homes child-friendly. The ample space suits growing families.
Dubai Creek Harbour – A Waterfront Community For Families
Nestled along the historic Dubai Creek, Dubai Creek Harbour is an upcoming mixed-use development designed with families at the top of mind. Although still under construction, this community has become one of the most family-friendly and kids-friendly areas.
Parks and green spaces
A defining feature of Dubai Creek Harbour is over 700,000 square meters of space. It is dedicated to parks and playgrounds in Dubai Creek Harbour. These open green spaces provide the perfect setting for children to play, and run around.
The expansive Creek Island Central Park is a highlight attraction, with plenty of facilities for family fun. From playground equipment to jogging tracks, splash parks to sports courts, there’s something for all ages. Kids can safely explore while parents relax.
Access to the Beach
Along the creek, Creek Beach allows waterfront recreation and playtime. Wading into the shallow water, building sandcastles, and beachcombing for shells occupy kids for hours. Dubai’s sunny climate means the beaches can be enjoyed year-round. Families will appreciate having a seaside outlet to entertain active children.
Educational Facilities
Dubai Creek Harbour will cater to families with children of all ages with a range of nurseries and schools. Currently, little ones can enroll at nearby schools like Swiss International Scientific School Dubai and Deira International School.
As the community develops, schools like Universal American School will open new campuses within the neighborhood. This K-12 school will implement the British curriculum. Having excellent education options steps away allows parents to keep their kids close while at school.
Family Dining and Entertainment
No family-friendly community is complete without dining and entertainment options catering to kids and parents. Dubai Creek Harbour delivers attractions like Imagine at Dubai Festival City
With over 1000 shopping outlets and dining destinations, Dubai Square will be a one-stop destination for family fun. Movie theaters like Novo Cinema Dubai Festival City, arcades, amusement rides, and parks will keep children occupied for hours on end.
The Dubai Creek Resort will also offer family-friendly cafes and restaurants along the waterfront promenade. Watching dhows drift by while enjoying a meal makes for quality bonding time.
Access to Public Transportation
Dubai Creek Harbour enjoys direct access to Ras Al Khor Road. The nearby Creek Metro Station makes getting around by public transport feasible. The ability to live car-free gives families flexibility and convenience. Traffic and parking headaches are reduced. Walking to transit stations provides built-in exercise through a child’s daily commute.
Marina and Waterways
The crystal waters of the extensive community marina, together with the historic creek, provide scenic views and recreational opportunities to delight kids and adults.
Children can gaze at the luxury yachts and boats docked along the marina. Touring the waterways by abra or kayak makes for a fun family adventure. Learning to sail, kayak or paddle board together builds lifelong skills.
Pet-Friendly Community
Many Dubai families choose to add furry friends into the mix while living abroad. Dubai Creek Harbour’s pet-friendly policies cater to households with cats or dogs.
The community’s promenades and parks offer plenty of space to walk pets. Children love helping care for a pet, which builds responsibility. Pets add to the warm residential ambience.
Proximity to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Just 10 minutes away lies the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Home to over 450 animal species, including migratory birds like flamingos, the sanctuary serves as an educational nature getaway. Kids will love spotting colorful crimson flamingo flocks, learning about indigenous species, and staring at birds through binoculars.
Family-Sized Property Options
Dubai Creek Harbour Dubai offers 1 to 4-bedroom apartments. Among all the districts of Dubai Creek Harbour, The Island District is near completion and features lavish residential properties. The waterfront residential district features multiple towers, including Dubai Creek Residences, Creek Horizon , Emaar Oria, Lotus, and Creekside 18 .
Jumeirah Lake Towers – A Lakeside Family Haven
Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) is a freehold community spread across four scenic man-made lakes. With ample green spaces and a low-rise layout of clusters, JLT provides a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families.
Lush Parks and Playgrounds
Jumeirah Lake Towers has many green spaces, parks, and playgrounds. The central 50,000 square meter JLT Park contains jogging tracks, gym equipment, barbeque spots, children’s play zones, and beautiful lakeside seating areas. Lakeside walks and waterfront seating areas offer relaxing downtime.
Access to Schooling
JLT contains nurseries and schools catering to children of all ages:
- Nurseries: Dewdrops Nursery, Paddington Nursery, Learning Ladders, Kidz City
- Schools: Emirates International School (15 minutes away), Kings School Dubai (15 minutes away), JSS International School (15 minutes)
- Universities: Synergy University, Modul University Dubai
Having quality education options nearby allows parents to keep their kids close while at school. Walking or Using short drives makes for a convenient commute.
Family Dining and Entertainment
You can prefer the array of pleasant cafes, restaurants, and enjoyment venues surrounding the residential towers. From fast meals to pleasant eating, there are masses of less costly eateries for family meals.
Cinema halls, arcades, escape rooms, and activity zones provide hours of amusement. Nearby malls like Dubai Marina Mall and Ibn Battuta Mall offer additional shopping and recreation. Two metro stations along Sheikh Zayed Road also make accessing the rest of Dubai quick and easy.
Healthcare Clinics and Hospitals
Healthcare needs are covered by the numerous medical clinics within JLT, such as Aster Clinic, Medcare Hospital, and Armada Medical Center. Mediclinic Meadows Hospital is a short 10-minute drive away in the Meadows community.
Quick access to pediatricians helps put parents’ minds at ease. Having trusted clinics nearby saves hassle when kids inevitably get sick or injured.
Pet-friendly Community
Pets are a standard part of family life. JLT’s pet-friendly policies make it ideal for households with furry companions in tow. Green spaces and parks offer plenty of room for dogs to roam and play. The presence of pets also enriches the community ambiance.
Quiet, Relaxed Vibe
Compared to busier parts of Dubai, JLT has a quiet, subdued vibe. The clustered tower layout gives a more private, community feel. Walkways let residents mingle but also maintain a family-oriented ambiance.
The serene enclosed parks and lakes make for tranquil surroundings away from noisy main roads. Children can safely play in a low-key environment.
Range of Property Sizes
JLT offers family-sized accommodation with studios and 1 to 5-bedroom units available. Options like 3-bedroom apartments, 4-bedroom penthouses, and multilevel duplexes cater to nuclear families.
Larger residences ensure growing families have space without the need to upgrade constantly. The properties also often feature amenities like pools, gyms, saunas, and play areas. Some popular family-friendly projects are Marriott Residences , DMCC Uptown Danube Twin Towers, Ellington Mercer House, and Sobha Verde.
Dubai Marina – An Upscale Community with Hidden Family Perks
At first sight, Dubai Marina may seem tailor-made for singles and couples rather than families, with its high-rise towers and upscale ambiance. However, dig deeper, and you’ll discover many features that make Dubai Marina an unexpectedly ideal spot for raising children, too.
Nearby Parks and Playgrounds
Though high-rise living dominates, Dubai Marina still incorporates green space for families. Small playgrounds and swimming pools surround its tower clusters, giving kids room to expend energy.
The nearby JBR Beach contains play zones with slides and swings overlooking the sea. Kite Beach’s skatepark and cycling track are a short drive away. Green space in the bustling city offers a welcome change of scenery.
Access to Nurseries and Schools
Within Dubai Marina itself, nurseries like Raffles Nursery and Willow Nursery cater to little ones. Well-established schools ring the community in Dubai Media City and Knowledge Village, within a quick 10 to 15-minute drive.
Horizon International School, Dubai British School and Kings’ Dubai are just some of the respected options nearby. Universities like Middlesex and University of Wollongong are within easy reach, perfect for parents wanting older kids close by.
Healthcare Clinics and Pharmacies
Healthcare provision eases parents’ minds. Dubai Marina contains pharmacies in every cluster, with clinics like Aster Medical and Emirates Hospital readily available. Knowledge Village’s wider medical facilities are minutes away.
Quick access to pediatrics, family medicine and pharmacies cater to children’s health needs. Injury or illness can be promptly cared for.
Public Transit Accessibility
Two metro stations in Dubai Marina make navigating without a car simple. Families can live flexibly, car-free, and walk to the nearby stations. The scenic Dubai Tram, with stops throughout the community, adds further public transit options.
Dubai Marina Mall and The Beach are just a quick hop away. Commuting to activities and amenities around Dubai is convenient.
Family Entertainment at the Mall
Dubai Marina Mall is a family entertainment hub. Its indoor theme park with rides, an arcade and activity center thrills kids for hours. Movie theatres, casual dining chains, and ice cream parlors cater to family outings.
In cooler months, the mall hosts free children’s events. With weekend concerts and entertainment, the mall offers an easy indoor escape for families.
Dining Variety
Dubai Marina’s 200+ eateries ensure no shortage of family restaurants and cafes. From fast food favorites to waterfront fine dining, parents can find eats to suit any taste or budget. Popular ones include Perfetto Pizzeria, Itsu, and The Acai Spot. Fresh Fish Restaurant and Bob’s Fish and Chips
Marina Mall adds additional casual chains, diners, and entertainment dining. Families won’t lack mealtime variety in Dubai Marina.
Proximity to Marina and Beach
Alongside the lively marina, Dubai Marina provides quick access to beaches and waterfront activities. JBR Beach is just across the road, with play zones, dining, and water sports. To experience a little of the sea life around where the Marina was built, you can head down to the Dubai Marina Yacht Club.
Kids delight in pontoon boat rides, kayaking, or gazing at luxury yachts docked in the marina. Dubai Marina puts seaside recreation right at your doorstep.
Range of Property Sizes
While predominantly apartments, Dubai Marina still offers larger residences for families, including:
- 3-4 bedroom apartments
- Multilevel duplexes
- 3-5 bedroom townhouses
- 2-4 bedroom villas
Larger spaces mean growing families don’t outgrow their homes as quickly. Many properties also have backyard garden patches. Some popular options are Mada’in Tower , Kempinski Marina Residences, Aeternitas by London Gate , and LIV Waterside.
DAMAC Hills 2 – A Kid-Friendly Community In Dubai
DAMAC Hills 2 is a master planned development by Damac Properties that puts families first. Designed to be an eco-friendly, secluded residential community away from Dubai’s busier areas, Damac Hills 2 caters extensively to children and parents. Between Jebel Ali – Lehbab Road and Al Ain – Dubai Highway, Damac Hills 2 spans over 42 million square feet.
Outdoor Areas for Play
DAMAC Hills 2 has open green spaces, parks and playgrounds. Larger district parks like Town Square Park and Villanova Community Park contain jogging tracks, splash pads, sports courts and extra facilities. The vast open grounds and fresh air provide the perfect setting for active youngsters to run free.
Access to Nurseries and Schools
Education is a top priority for parents, and Damac Hills 2 offers plenty of nearby nursery and schooling options.
Within the community, Shining Stars Nursery caters to toddlers, while Cherry Tree Nursery Damac Hills provides early learning for little ones. Just outside, Jebel Ali School and South View School are a quick drive away.
Once built, the community will also house a network of schools covering primary education all the way to secondary schooling. Educational facilities close to home allow parents to keep their kids nearby while at school.
Dedicated Clinics And Medical Care
Quick access to healthcare provides peace of mind. Damac Hills 2 delivers through dedicated medical clinics by Saudi German Hospital and Aster Clinic based right within the development.
This caters to children’s routine check-ups and minor illnesses without needing to travel elsewhere. Nearby hospitals like Mediclinic Parkview also provide extensive care. The medical provision eases parents’ minds.
Family Dining and Shopping
Damac Hills 2 meets family dining needs through eateries in the community centre and nearby malls. Casual dining chains, cafes, and fine dining offer cuisine that suits every palate.
For shopping, malls like Cityland Mall and Dubai Outlet Mall are a 20-minute drive via Al Ain Road. These cater to family activities, entertainment and retail therapy. Within the community, a Carrefour supermarket fulfils all kids’ daily needs.
Waterfront Lifestyle
Fronting the community is the upcoming Water Town district. This recreational zone will include Malibu Beach, a lazy river, splash pads, water slides, wave pools and other water-based attractions.
Kids will love splashing in the pools or building sandcastles on the man-made Malibu Beach. The aquatic playground and lake activities foster a laidback Californian coastal lifestyle unique to the area.
Pet-Friendly Zones
Many Dubai families choose to add pets to their homes. Damac Hills 2 embraces this with designated pet-friendly areas where leashed dogs are welcome.
Children love helping care for pets and playing with them in the community’s parks and trails. Pets add warmth and life to Damac Hills 2’s friendly, outdoorsy vibe.
Accessible Location
Though secluded, Damac Hills 2 enjoys quick access to Dubai via four main highways, including Jebel Ali – Lehbab Road and Emirates Road. This keeps family life convenient without too much time spent commuting.
Dubai’s major malls, leisure attractions, and downtown area are a 30-minute drive away. The remote community has a neighbourhood feel while keeping the opportunities of the big city accessible.
Variety of Property Sizes
Damac Hills 2 offers family-friendly residences in varied sizes:
- 3 to 5-bedroom townhouses
- 3 to 6-bedroom stand-alone villas
- Studios & 1 to 3 bedroom apartments
Spaces are designed to suit couples, nuclear families, multi-generational households and larger joint families. The ample room means growing kids have space to thrive without needing constant upgrades. Some top kids-friendly projects are DAMAC ELO, Damac Park Greens Phase 2, DAMAC Camelia Villas and DAMAC Verona .
The Ideal Family Community in Dubai
When choosing where to live in Dubai with children, you want a community that allows them to flourish. The top family-friendly neighborhoods offer everything from nurseries to entertainment to keep the entire family happy.
Dubai Hills, Dubai Creek Harbour, Jumeirah Lake Towers, and Dubai Marina tick all the boxes when it comes to raising children. From schooling to healthcare to play areas, these communities cater to a wholesome family lifestyle.
You also want an area with a strong leasing market to provide healthy rental returns on investment properties. These four neighborhoods are highly sought-after by families moving to Dubai, making them prime real estate investments.
If you seek the ideal home for your family in a thriving community, shortlist houses among these top contenders. With an abundance of amenities tailored to children, Dubai has several areas where families can live their best lives.
